How to Store Cannabis Flowers Properly

Storing cannabis flowers correctly is super important for maintaining their freshness, potency, flavor, and aroma. Whether you’re a casual cannabis toker or a seasoned connoisseur, knowing how to store cannabis flowers can make a significant difference in your experience. Improper storage of weed, on the other hand, can lead to dried-out buds, loss of terpenes, or even mold growth. 
 
If you don’t want to ruin your stash, reading this article will help. Because we’ll discuss why it’s important to store cannabis flowers properly, and the key factors that influence their preservation. Also, we’ll provide practical tips on the best methods and containers for storing cannabis to ensure your buds stay fresh and potent and you always have top-quality cannabis flowers in your hands. 

Why It is Important to Store Cannabis Flowers Properly? 
 

It’s important to store cannabis flowers properly because it can go bad over time. You can’t just put it in a plastic bag and expect that it will stay fresh forever and give you the experience you want. When cannabis is exposed to air, light, heat, or moisture, it can degrade rapidly and lose valuable cannabinoids like THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol), and terpenes. 
 
For instance, light exposure can degrade THC (psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants) into CBN (Cannabinol). Since CBN is minimally psychoactive, it reduces the flower’s potency and makes it less enjoyable. 
 
Besides, storing cannabis flowers in high temperatures and humidity levels can cause mold growth. Also, too much air can damage weeds by drying out the buds which makes them harsh to smoke. So, by storing weed in a balanced environment, you ensure it remains aromatic, flavorful, and potent. 
 

How to Store Cannabis Flowers Properly  
 

The shelf life of cannabis is quite good. But how long does cannabis flower last? You can keep it fresh for six months to one year by storing it effectively. However, to preserve your weed for long-term use, you should follow the best ways.  
 
So far, the research on post-harvest cannabis is awfully limited. However, growers and cannabis companies do recommend maintaining four factors when it comes to proper weed storage. These are air, temperature, light, and moisture. All these can affect your marijuana. Please note that these recommendations have not yet been supported by scientific evidence.  
 

Suitable Temperature for Storing Cannabis 
 

You should store cannabis at temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Degrees Celsius), with an optimal range of around 65 degrees. Note that keeping weed between 77°F and 86 °F can stimulate the growth of mold and mildew. Also, intense temperatures can cause the buds to dry out or degrade. This can ultimately lead to a loss of cannabinoids and terpenes.  
 
However, it’s also not advisable to store cannabis in freezing temperatures. Too much cold can slow down the decarboxylation process. It also causes the trichomes to become brittle and break off and reduce potency.  

 

The Ideal Humidity Level for Storing Cannabis Flowers 

 

Humidity control and management is another crucial task to prevent the growth of contaminants (e.g., mold, mildew). So, always maintain relative humidity (RH) between 55% to 65% (Via ASTM International). If you put cannabis flowers where the humidity is too high, it can lead to mold growth. Besides, too low humidity can dry out the buds. You can use products like Boveda humidity packs to help control the environment within your storage container. 
 

Lighting Requirements for Cannabis Flower Storage
 

Lights, particularly UV rays, can degrade cannabis flowers over time significantly. It breaks down cannabinoids and terpenes. You’ll see a 0.5% decline with each hour of sunlight exposure. That’s why we strongly recommend storing cannabis in a dark environment. 
 
However, if you can’t find a suitable dark space, you can use opaque or UV-resistant containers to protect your stash from light exposure. Keeping your weed in a cool, dark place helps preserve its quality. 
 

Limit Air Exposure While Storing Cannabis

Oxygen from the air can degrade both cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Oxidation of cannabinoids, particularly THC, converts into CBN (Cannabinol). Though CBN has its own mild effects, it’s not as potent or desirable as THC. Besides, terpenes, aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smell are also highly susceptible to oxidation. So how do you intend to prevent air exposure? 
 
To prevent air exposure, store your stash in airtight containers. You can use glass jars with tight-sealing lids, like mason jars. These containers are non-porous and don’t interact with cannabis. However, you should avoid using plastic containers, as they can create a static charge that strips the trichomes. Some cannabis users may want to use metal containers. But, if it is not designed for cannabis storage, it might affect the flavor. 
 

The Best Containers for Storing Cannabis Flowers
 

We’ve already emphasized the need to pick the right containers to prevent both air and light exposure. When it comes to preserving the quality and potency of cannabis flowers, there is no better alternative than putting them into the right storage container. 
 
Proper storage containers protect your favorite cannabis strain from air, light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. All these factors can degrade the cannabis quality. Now, you might naturally be wondering what type of container is best for preserving cannabis in the long term. 
 
Here’s a list of the best containers for preserving cannabis flower: 

• Glass Mason Jars 
• Opaque Glass Jars 
• Vacuum-Sealed Bags 
• Titanium Jars 
• Cannabis Humidors 

 

Glass Mason Jars 
 

Glass containers, particularly glass mason jars, are among the best options for storing cannabis flowers. Because they have an airtight and non-reactive nature. Glass doesn’t affect the flavor or aroma of the cannabis. Plus, it prevents air exposure. Although clear glass can expose cannabis to light, storing these stash boxes in a cool, dark place solves this issue. 
 

Opaque Glass Jars
 

Opaque glass jars are highly effective for storing cannabis flowers. Because they can block light exposure. Light, especially UV rays, can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis. By using UV-resistant opaque glass jars, you can make sure that your cannabis remains protected from light. 
 
Here are the features of opaque glass jars: 

• Block light exposure (UV Rays) 
• Prevent air exposure 
• Non-reactive material 
• Sturdy and easy to clean 

 
Vacuum Sealed Bags
 

You can try vacuum-sealed mylar bags. They are very effective for long-term cannabis storage. They offer protection against environmental factors that can damage the quality of your flowers. Vacuum sealing minimizes oxygen exposure and reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth. Plus, they are excellent for odor control. 
 
Here are some unique features of vacuum sealing bags: 

• Reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth 
• Prevent oxidation of cannabinoids 
• Preserve the strong smell of cannabis 
• Punctured-resistant materials 
• Single Use: Once opened, the cannabis should be transferred to another airtight container. 

 

Titanium Jars
 

As we’ve said earlier metal containers aren’t that perfect for storing cannabis flowers. Because they can alter the flavor of weed. But titanium jars are different from typical metal containers like aluminum or steel. If you don’t prefer handling fragile glass jars, and looking for a more durable storage container, then a titanium jar is undoubtedly the best choice. 
 
Let’s see some of the features of Titanium Jars: 

• Highly resistant to physical damage 
• Prevents air and moisture 
• Titanium doesn’t react with cannabis molecules 
• Protect cannabis from light exposure 

 

Cannabis Humidors
 

If you have a good amount of budget, the cannabis humidors can be your ideal stash box. These storage devices are designed to maintain the optimal humidity levels for preserving cannabis. So, they are not like traditional storage methods since they offer precise control over the environment within the storage space. 
 
Typically, humidors have humidity control packs or built-in humidification systems. This maintains a consistent relative humidity (RH), usually around 55-65% which is considered an optimal level for cannabis preservation. 
 
Features of Cannabis Humidors: 

• Maintain ideal humidity level 
• Prevent air exchange 
• Non-reactive materials 
• Some models may include temperature regulation 

 

Key Tips for Storing Cannabis Flowers 
 

When storing cannabis for the long term, it’s better to keep in mind the following important: 

• Use airtight containers (e.g., glass jars) 
• Keep cannabis at optimal humidity level (RH 55-65%) 
• Store in a cool, dark place to avoid light and temperature fluctuation 
• Avoid plastics or metals; choose a titanium jar if you don’t prefer glass jars 
• For precise control over degrading factors, get a humidor as your stash box 
• Avoid storing cannabis flowers in a freezer 

 

The Bottom Line

 

To store cannabis flowers effectively, use airtight glass jars, humidors, or titanium jars. These containers maintain potency, and freshness, and prevent air exposure. Keep humidity levels between 55 to 65% to avoid mold and other contaminants. Store your stash in a cool, dark place away from light and heat sources to maintain cannabinoids and terpenes. Don’t use plastic or metal containers as they can affect taste and aroma. If you’re looking for precise control over the environment, then we recommend trying a cannabis humidor. Hopefully, following these steps will ensure your cannabis flowers remain potent and flavorful for years. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 

What is the best storage for cannabis flowers?

The best storage for cannabis flowers is in airtight glass containers placed in a cool, dark space. It’s best if you can maintain 55 to 65% relative humidity and temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a better budget and want control over the environmental factors that potentially degrade cannabis quality, try a humidor. 
 

How long can you store cannabis flowers? 

Cannabis flowers can typically be stored for up to 6-12 months when stored properly in airtight glass jars. However, to preserve the freshness for this long, you must implement the best storage methods including controlling environmental factors such as air, light, temperature, and humidity. Otherwise, no matter how well you store them, they will degrade potency over time. 
 

How do you store fresh buds? 

To store fresh buds, use airtight glass jars. Don’t use plastic or metal containers. Keep it in a cool, dark place and maintain an optimal level of humidity and temperature. Avoid direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations to preserve their freshness and flavors.